Running with Asics

From Onitsuka Tiger to Asics: a brand born in Kobe

The story begins in 1949 in Kobe, where Kihachiro Onitsuka founded a small sports shoe company to help post-war Japanese youth rebuild through sport. His first creation is a basketball shoe, with a sole inspired by the suckers of an octopus for better grip on the court. In 1977, Onitsuka merged with two other manufacturers, GTO and JELENK, to form Asics, an acronym of the Latin motto anima sana in corpore sano, a healthy mind in a healthy body. The Onitsuka Tiger name remains for retro-inspired models.

GEL technology and FF Blast foams

Introduced in 1986, the GEL is a silicone insert located in the midsole, at the heel and sometimes at the forefoot, which absorbs part of the shock wave on impact. It has given its name to many of the brand's models. Asics later developed lighter foams: FlyteFoam, introduced in 2016, and then the FF Blast family, which is more responsive and comes in Plus, Max, and Turbo versions depending on the balance between flexibility, stability, and energy return. These materials are refined at the Asics Sports Science Institute, established in Kobe in 1985, where the brand studies the biomechanics of running.

Neutral or stability shoes: choose according to your stride

The first choice at Asics contrasts neutral shoes and stability shoes. A neutral stride, where the foot rolls in a straight line, suits an even sole, soft or firm according to preference. When the arch collapses noticeably inward with each step, it's referred to as significant pronation: the brand’s stability models, which emerged in the 1990s, reinforce the inner edge of the sole to guide the foot. Increased wear on the inner edge of older shoes, or a stride analysis with a podiatrist, helps determine which family to choose.

Shoe sizes, widths, and wide feet

A running shoe from Asics is generally chosen half a size to a full size larger than city shoes, as the foot lengthens and swells during exertion: around a centimetre of space in front of the longest toe is needed. Across several models, the brand offers different widths, marked as D for standard width for men, 2E for wide fit, and 4E for very wide; for women, standard is marked B and wide is D. For runners over 90 kilos, a thick and wide sole, with firmer foam, compresses less quickly than very soft foam.

New arrivals and good deals

The new arrivals feature the latest releases, the special offers showcase previous versions at reduced prices, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, sales, and Black Friday have their own running page.

Frequently asked questions

Which Asics to choose for starting running?

A neutral, well-cushioned, and versatile shoe is suitable for the vast majority of beginners, for runs lasting thirty minutes to an hour. If your older shoes show significant wear on the inner side, a stability model may be more comfortable.

Which Asics for running a marathon?

For a first marathon, a heavily cushioned and comfortable shoe for long durations is preferable over lightness. Fast and experienced runners may opt for a competitive shoe with a carbon plate, which is more responsive but more demanding.

Can you use orthotic insoles in Asics shoes?

Yes, the insole of most Asics shoes is removable to allow for an orthotic insole. Choose a neutral model to avoid combining the corrections of the insole and the stability shoe.

How many kilometers do Asics shoes last?

Generally, expect between six hundred and eight hundred kilometers, depending on your weight, stride, and the surfaces you run on. Compressed foam, unusual pains, or a smooth outsole indicate it's time for a replacement.

How to wash Asics running shoes?

Brush the sole with soapy water and clean the upper with a damp sponge, after removing laces and insoles. Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers, which can damage the foams and adhesives: air dry them.